Archives for March 2001

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Maybe it's all the in-bred locals who say “y'uns” and call their shopping carts “buggies,” maybe it's the memories of getting car-sick in Trois Rivieres, Quebec when he was seven or maybe it's just that the movie “Sudden Death” — set in the Igloo — scares the bejesus out of him, but Martin Biron does not like this place.

'Known as a players' coach, he directed the Sabres during the 1995-96 and '96-97 seasons and posted a 73-72-19 record. His tenure there included a constant battle of wills with former general manager John Muckler, who was eventually fired. In his second year, Nolan led the Sabres to a Northeast Division title and reached the second round of the playoffs that spring and later took home the Jack Adams award as NHL coach of the year. That summer, while seeking a long-term contract extension, he refused to sign a take-it-or-leave-it one-year offer from new GM Darcy Regier.'

'Penguins right winger Jaromir Jagr had a goal and an assist to tie Colorado center Joe Sakic for the NHL scoring lead with 108 points, but the story of this game was not offense. The Penguins generated plenty of that, but it was their defensive effort that was most striking.'

'In a surprise move, Coach Lindy Ruff elected to start Martin Biron, a bright, young goaltender in his own right, but one seldom confused with one of the most decorated players in NHL history at the position. That marked only his 17th appearance of the season and second in 11 games, and he showed his rust by stopping just 14 of 18 shots.'

'The Sabres' strong play in recent weeks — they are 6-2 in their past eight games — might not net them much of a reward in the postseason. If they finish fourth or fifth in the Eastern Conference, it likely will earn them a matchup against the Flyers, and that doesn't figure to work to their advantage. Buffalo is 0-3 against Philadelphia this season and has been outscored, 8-1.'

'Naysayers will note that Dominik Hasek was not in goal for Buffalo or that the Sabres were playing their second game in as many nights. Those were mere footnotes. Besides, the Penguins played without Alexei Kovalev.'

'Former Penguins forward Stu Barnes is the Sabres' nominee for the Masterton Trophy, which goes to the player who best exemplifies the qualities of perseverance, sportsmanship and dedication to hockey.'

'The Penguins surprised the Devils by coming out in a left wing lock — a system in which a forward effectively becomes a third defensemen — and followed that by mostly playing a neutral zone trap Tuesday. Pittsburgh? Playing the despised trap?'